Vermont

sl8

(16,245 posts) Wed Dec 1, 2021, 06:53 AM Dec 2021

WTF: How Does the DMV Decide If a Vanity Plate Is Too Rude for the Road?

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/wtf-how-does-the-dmv-decide-if-a-vanity-plate-is-too-rude-for-the-road/Content?oid=34317596/

(Warning - article contains profane examples)

WTF: How Does the DMV Decide If a Vanity Plate Is Too Rude for the Road?

November 24, 2021
By KEN PICARD

Vermont may be famous for two of its sweetest products — maple syrup and Ben & Jerry's ice cream — but Vermonters can also be quite salty. In the state archives, no document is likely to be more infused with sex, drugs, violence, racism and vulgarity than the Department of Motor Vehicles' master list of rejected vanity plates.

A compendium of more than 24,000 alphanumeric combinations dating back decades, the DMV's do-not-issue list is hilarious, disturbing and bewildering. Why would anyone want a license plate that reads FEL0N, HITNRUN, IH8PIGS, IM2HI, M0LESTR or DRUNK?

The do-not-issue list is also a testament to the keen eyes of the DMV employees charged with spotting offensive words and phrases, some of which are recognizable only when read backwards, upside down or in another language. As DMV Deputy Commissioner Michael Smith explained by email, personalized plate applications are reviewed manually, not by computer software.

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WTF: How Does the DMV Decide If a Vanity Plate Is Too Rude for the Road? (Original Post) sl8 Dec 2021 OP

I'm more interested wtf anyone would want a MOLESTR or HITNRUN (etc) plate. REALLY? hlthe2b Dec 2021 #1

my plates in another state included the chemical properties of janterry Dec 2021 #2

I liked the New Hampshire plate that spelled out LEWD. The state motto was mitch96 Dec 2021 #3

hlthe2b

(106,364 posts)

1. I'm more interested wtf anyone would want a MOLESTR or HITNRUN (etc) plate. REALLY?

Reply to sl8 (Original post)

Wed Dec 1, 2021, 06:59 AM

Dec 2021

And at the risk of losing my "bleeding heart liberal" creds, DMVs are tasked with trying to preempt those plates that can incite--whether aggressive drivers or other car-related crime. So, frankly, my reflexive defense of free speech is not so bothered by some of these--especially as car-related aggressive driving deaths are at an all-time high in many regions of the country and often over nothing more than someone giving the middle finger to another driver. Some of these could be just as inciting.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

janterry

(4,429 posts)

2. my plates in another state included the chemical properties of

Reply to sl8 (Original post)

Wed Dec 1, 2021, 08:00 AM

Dec 2021

a drug. Yes, that one. It was not a request. Just bad luck.

I was humiliated. Also, I was not alone (I saw others with those same letters). But beyond humiliation, there was the police possibility (would they pull me over as someone who liked drugs and REQUESTED that plate)?

Thankfully, those are now gone and I have a regular plate.

mitch96

(14,658 posts)

3. I liked the New Hampshire plate that spelled out LEWD. The state motto was

Reply to sl8 (Original post)

Wed Dec 1, 2021, 09:13 AM

Dec 2021

LIVE FREE OR DIE and under those words were:

LEWD

I thought that was pretty slick.. I had a non vanity motorcycle plate that was interesting.
31415V... 3+1=4, 4+1=5, 5 in roman numerals is V... What are the chances of THAT happening... Came from the DMV like that.. Hummm
m

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